Renan Barao Didn't Want to Fight at UFC 153

Before the main event and co-main event of UFC 153 were changed within the last 48 hours due to injuries sustained by separate fighters, Renan Barão (29-1-1 NC) didn't plan to defend his newly won interim bantamweight championship in front of his home country.

Barão's manager, Jair Lourenço spoke to TATAME and cited time as a reason for not wanting to fight.

"No, can't do," said Lourenço. "It's too close. He's been training hard, but not for a fight. [The UFC] haven't approached us yet."

While Lourenço sees a potential fight against Michael McDonald (15-1) down the road, it won't happen on the October 13 card.

"I guess he wouldn't be 100 percent for a fight that close in order to put on a performance like he should," said Lourenço. "It wouldn't be good for him right now, but it's one to think about."